Wedding Planning Information

What is required by the State of Qatar, the county of Doha for a legal wedding ceremony?

No wedding ceremonies can be conducted on property as they will not be legally binding. However, we will be happy to host your wedding reception.

For a legal Islamic marriage, the actual marriage contract needs to be conducted by a legal or religious representative in the court. The bride is asked in the absence of the prospective groom if she agrees to the marriage and this question is then put to the groom. After agreement, the groom joins hands with his future father-in-law and, with two witnesses present the marriage becomes official.

It is not common for expatriates to get married in Qatar. Christian churches are not officially sanctioned in Qatar, although there is a resident Chaplain and a resident Roman Catholic priest. Expatriate workers can be married provided that they meet the civil and religious requirements of their home country. Certain embassies and consulate staff can perform civil marriage ceremonies, again provided that certain requirements are met.

Please contact your embassy for more details.

What do I need to know before contacting the hotel?

You should know the estimated number of guests, a date and an approximate budget for your event. If possible, choose a few alternate dates in case your first choice is not available.

How far in advance should I reserve the date?

Although The Ritz-Carlton, Doha often fills the most popular dates as far as two years in advance, other dates are typically available with less notice. A minimum of one year is recommended in order for us to accommodate you on your preferred dates.

What is the average cost per person for food and beverage for my wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha?

Based on our current banquet menus, you may expect to spend on average QR 280 per person for dinner, exclusive of service charge and sales tax. This does not include alcohol. Please be aware that our menu items and pricing are subject to change and are guaranteed 90 days in advance. Your final menu pricing will be based on your actual selections.

What are the deposits based on and when are they due?

A deposit of QR 10,000 is required to secure your booking. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The estimated final balance is due fourteen business days prior to your event.

When do I need to tell The Ritz-Carlton exactly how many guests will be attending my wedding?

The catering department must be notified of the exact number of guest attending a function at least 14 days prior to the start of the event. This will be considered a guarantee, for which you will be charged, even if fewer guests attend the function.

Do the bride and groom get a complimentary room for the wedding night?

The hotel provides a complimentary guest room for the bride on the day of the wedding for her preparations. An Executive suite is provided for the bride and groom on the night of their wedding. These complimentary guestrooms are offered with a minimum of 300 guests in attendance at the reception.

Are there special room rates for wedding guests?

For family and friends of the wedding party, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha will be happy to quote preferential rates for the week of the event. Rates offered are subject to availability.

What local laws affect events at The Ritz-Carlton?

Guests bringing their own alcohol on property should first obtain the following:

A letter of approval from Qatar Distribution Company (QDC)

A signed letter from the event organizer stating that they are fully responsible for this alcohol that they are bringing to the event.

What weather should I expect at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha?

The weather in Doha is generally sunny all year round with the temperature ranging from an average high of 31 degrees Celsius during the day to 22 degrees Celsius at night. Qatar's subtropical desert means that from November through February the country's weather is extremely pleasant. Rainfall is rare.

Any other suggestions for planning my wedding?

Create a wedding binder. Clip pictures from magazines and make notes about what you have liked at other weddings. This will help you select your flowers, cake, room decor and other special touches to make your wedding uniquely yours.

May I hold my ceremonies and/or reception outside?

Islamic wedding ceremonies must be held in the court and expatriates weddings can only take place in certain embassies.

The reception may be held outside in The Fountain Courtyard. This consists of landscaped terrace gardens, three fountains and a myriad of palm trees.

We also cater weddings in the venue of your choice, whether it is your home, garden or private marquee.

How do I arrange my wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha?

Our wedding professionals will organize and coordinate all aspects of your wedding ceremony and reception to help create your vision. Your wedding professional will:

No, you do not need a wedding coordinator, as our wedding professional will help you organize every detail and be there for the event itself for whatever you need.

Services from The Ritz-Carlton

What does The Ritz-Carlton provide for weddings and receptions?

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha provides all food and beverage, tables and chairs, table linens, silverware and glasses, a dance floor and staging for your event. The rental of ceremony location includes chair set-up and staging as well as rehearsal time for the ceremony. This also includes an on-site Wedding Concierge to greet and assist your guests.

What other services or items can The Ritz-Carlton provide for my event?

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha can provide a wide range of specialty items to help you personalize your event, such as Ciavari chairs, specialty linens, specialty base plates and menu cards. We can also assist you with welcome baskets, bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts and a variety of other special amenities to help add that personal touch to your wedding. Costs for all items vary.

Whether your reception is an intimate dinner or a lavish gathering, we offer a range of cuisines. From hors d'oeuvres and mezze to live stations and gourmet buffets or formal dinners with plated selections and synchronized service, all options are catered for. Your wedding professional will assist you with choosing from our extensive menu. A tasting will be scheduled to help you finalize your choices.

I/my guests have special dietary needs; what are our options?

We are delighted to offer a selection of cuisines for any dietary need. Our Arabic culinary team can assist you in preparing traditional dishes as well as more international fare. Please consult with your wedding planner for more details.

Can The Ritz-Carlton provide my wedding cake?

Our pastry chef will ensure your new life together gets off to a sweet start. Choose from our imaginative wedding cakes and patisseries or customize your own creative temptations.

May I bring in an outside caterer?

All events at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha are catered by our exceptional culinary team. However, you may choose to have your wedding cake prepared by an outside vendor.

Vendors

May I use outside vendors?

You may use outside vendors for your music, wedding cake and flowers. Due to the specialized nature of Arabic weddings, outside contractors may also be used for staging and the provision of linens and adornments. Please contact your wedding professional for more details.

Are there any guidelines or requirements for using outside vendors?

A QR 10,000 deposit will be required from the outside contractor to cover any damages caused to The Ritz-Carlton, Doha property.

A copy of the subcontractor's contract should be given to the client to be signed by the subcontractor before the subcontractor enters the hotel

The subcontractor's contract should be presented to the event planner before any planning or negotiation

Do you have a list of preferred vendors?

Your wedding professional can offer a list of preferred vendors.

Photography & Music

May I take wedding pictures at The Ritz-Carlton if my wedding is to be held elsewhere?

We reserve photography privileges for couples whose weddings or receptions are held at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha.

What kind of music is available?

Your personal wedding professional can help select the perfect musical accompaniment. Choices include an oud player, Arabic bands, a harpist, pianist, classical duos or quartets, jazz or salsa bands, or a DJ.